NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf – Family-Friendly Side for Kid-Approved Weeknight Dinners
NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf – Family-Friendly Side for Kid-Approved Weeknight Dinners
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Why you'll love it
- Ready in minutes with minimal prep — just add water and butter
- Authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile built into the seasoning blend
- Kosher OU certification expands meal options for observant households
- Shelf-stable box stores easily in the pantry for unplanned meals
- Toasted orzo adds texture and a more premium feel than plain rice
- Bulk Pack of 4 reduces per-serving cost for frequent users
- texture is described as the best
- cooks up fluffy
- seasoning adds nice aroma to the kitchen
- convenient - just add water and simmer
- few cents cheaper than other places
- delivery to door is appreciated
- at least 6 month expiration date when purchased
- cooks in 20 minutes
- more flavorful than Rice-A-Roni for some buyers
- prefers this brand over Rice a Roni
Perfect for
- Quick stovetop or microwave side dish for weeknight dinners
- Bed for grilled chicken, kebabs, or lamb entrees
- Potluck or buffet contribution at gatherings
- Shelf-stable pantry staple for last-minute meals
- Base for Mediterranean-style grain bowls
- paired with salmon and honey glazed carrots for a complete meal
- served at dinner parties as a side dish
- used as a lite meal/snack on its own
- made with designer water and olive oil for a filling snack
Product Information
2 - 6.09oz Boxes of RICE PILAF Mix ORIGINAL by Near East Near East's original rice pilaf is made from premium parboiled long grain rice, toasted orzo and a delicious blend of herbs & spices. Kosher Certified *OU*
Product Dimensions : 5.9 x 3.8 x 1 inches; 6.09 ounces Item model number : 1 UPC : 072251001051 Units : 6.09 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #9,267 in Grocery & Gourmet Food Flavor Origina Item Weight 6.09 Ounces Number of Items 1 Package Weight 0.19 Kilograms Variety Rice Pilaf Cuisine Middle Eastern Specialty Kosher Allergen Information Wheat 2 - 6.09oz Boxes of RICE PILAF Mix ORIGINAL by Near East Near East's original rice pilaf is made from premium parboiled long grain rice, toasted orzo and a delicious blend of herbs & spices. Kosher Certified *OU*
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf safe to serve to my family?
Yes. The product is OU Kosher certified, contains no pork derivatives, and is cooked on the stovetop or microwave with no open flame, making it a low-risk family side.
Will my picky eater actually like the flavor?
The seasoning is mild and savory rather than spicy, which is why many parents report it is well accepted by kids who reject strongly seasoned sides.
Is it easy to prepare when I have hungry kids waiting?
Yes. The box comes with a pre-portioned seasoning packet, and the pilaf is ready in about 20 minutes with just water and butter — minimal hands-on time.
Can I keep several boxes in the pantry for unplanned family dinners?
The Pack of 4 is designed exactly for that. Boxes are shelf-stable with at least a 6-month expiration date from purchase, so you can keep extras on hand.
Does it work for a Shabbat or Jewish holiday meal?
Yes. The OU Kosher certification makes it suitable for Shabbat tables, Passover-friendly menus (when paired with kosher-for-Passover main dishes), and holiday gatherings.
Is this a good side dish for a family potluck?
Yes. It feeds a crowd from a single batch, holds up well on a buffet, and is well-liked by both kids and adults — a low-risk contribution to a gathering.
Will my child outgrow the portion size in a single box?
A 6.09 oz box yields roughly 3 to 4 side-dish servings, and the Pack of 4 makes it easy to scale up for larger families or to feed a child and a parent in one meal.
Can I sneak vegetables into it for my kids?
Yes. Finely chopped spinach, peas, or carrots mix in easily, and the seasoning helps mask vegetables from selective eaters.
Is the wheat allergen clearly marked on the package?
Yes. The product contains wheat from the orzo, and the allergen is clearly declared on the box in line with labeling requirements.
Can older kids or teens cook it themselves?
Yes. With basic stove or microwave skills, a teen can prepare it independently, which makes it a good first recipe for a young adult in a dorm or first apartment.
How does it compare to other kid-friendly rice sides like Rice-A-Roni?
Many parents prefer NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf because it is fluffier, more flavorful, and free of the stronger seasoning profile that some kids reject in Rice-A-Roni.
Is it a better option than instant white rice for a family dinner?
Yes. It includes a seasoning blend and toasted orzo for more flavor and texture, so it feels like a real side dish rather than plain rice.
Is it a safer choice than serving fried rice from a restaurant?
Homemade pilaf lets you control the salt, butter, and oil, and the OU Kosher certification adds reassurance for observant families.
Will the seasoning be too strong for young children?
No. The Mediterranean herb blend is savory and aromatic rather than spicy, which is why families with young children report strong acceptance.
What if my child has a wheat allergy — is there a wheat-free option?
This product is not wheat-free because it contains orzo. Families managing wheat allergies should look for a rice-only pilaf without orzo.
How do I cook NEAR EAST Rice Pilaf on the stovetop?
Bring 1 3/4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in the rice-orzo mix and the enclosed seasoning packet, return to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Can I make it in the microwave?
Yes. Combine the rice-orzo mix, seasoning packet, 2 cups of water, and 1 tablespoon of butter in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, then let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing.
Can I cook it in a rice cooker?
Yes. Add the rice-orzo mix, seasoning packet, the water amount recommended on the box, and a pat of butter to the rice cooker. Use the regular white rice setting and fluff when the cycle finishes. Customers report good results even in small cookers like the Rice Robot.
Is it compatible with a gluten-free diet?
No. The product contains wheat from the orzo pasta, so it is not suitable for gluten-free diets. Always review the ingredient label for the most current allergen information.
Does it work in a cast iron skillet?
Yes. Many home cooks use a cast iron skillet with butter, the rice mix, water, and seasoning, then cover and simmer. It also works well for breakfast preparations with green onion and a fried egg on top.
What is in the box when I open it?
Each 6.09 oz box contains a parboiled long grain rice and toasted orzo blend and a separate seasoning packet with the Mediterranean herb and spice mix. You supply water and butter or olive oil.
Does it contain any major allergens?
Yes. The product contains wheat from the orzo pasta. It is OU Kosher certified. Always check the package for the most current allergen and ingredient information.
How long will the box stay fresh in my pantry?
Boxes are shelf-stable, and customers consistently report at least a 6-month expiration date from purchase. Store in a cool, dry place for best quality.
What is the difference between orzo pilaf and plain rice pilaf?
Orzo pilaf mixes toasted orzo pasta with long grain rice for a chewier texture, more visual appeal, and a more substantial bite. Plain rice pilaf uses only rice and typically delivers a softer, more uniform texture.
